Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist PS3 User Review

7.5

Described as an Action/Adventure Stealth game with a third person perspective, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist is the sixth installment of the Tom Clancy series and is a direct successor to Splinter Cell Conviction, the action taking place three years later. In general the game keeps up the Clancy tradition and uses some of the characters from its predecessor. Not surprisingly the story line is based on a counter terrorism effort that involves United States forces taking on international terror organizations.

The game revolves around the main character, our old friend, Sam Fisher. The versatile and resourceful Sam gets the chance to work with some familiar characters such as the hacker, Charlie Cole, the beautiful Grim and the street smart Vic. They are part of the newly formed Fourth Echelon responsible only to the US president.

The action starts on Guam with Sam, Charlie and Vic escaping from their base which has just been destroyed by enemy Blacklist action, with Vic being injured in the process. From here the player is taken on a world tour seeing action all over the globe in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Asia, where they will take part in close and distant combat using a wide array of weaponry and newly invented devices. There is the Tri-Rotor, a remote controlled drone device that is used to fire shocker darts at enemies. The Sticky Noisemaker device, which sticks to walls and surfaces, can be used to distract enemies on patrol missions. Similarly, the Sticky EMP can be used to disable lights and security systems. All of these three gadgets used properly are extremely useful in the various missions that require both combat, stealth and reconnaissance.

Blacklist makes use of the new Killing in Motion gameplay mechanic which lets the player to highlight targets and take them out in quick succession while still running. The Active Sprint feature allows Sam to cover ground with an effortless smooth motion making climbing walls and jumping over barriers much easier, making for more fluid play. The team can monitor terrorist activity as it occurs using the Strategic Mission Interface (SMI). This allows the team to obtain information about mission objectives while advancing. Upgraded weaponry and other items can be bought with money earned by completing tasks.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist offers fun game play in three different modes. Single player mode allows you to completely enjoy all of the action as you take the role of Sam Fisher. Co-op mode allows for teamwork with another player while taking on terrorists all over the world. The unique Spies vs. Mercs mode is full of strategic fun that involves battles between multiple players.